Off-season delays 15% bus fare hike in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, June 8: The proposed 15 per cent increase in bus fares for services operating from the Bhuiyandih JP Setu bus terminus in Jamshedpur has not been fully implemented yet. Bus operators have temporarily put the fare hike on hold due to low passenger turnout during the current off-season.

The buses operating from the terminus connect Jamshedpur to several districts across Jharkhand as well as neighbouring Bihar. Although a fare hike had been announced earlier, most operators are still charging passengers at the old rates to avoid losing commuters.

However, passengers travelling on the Tata-Chaibasa route have reported being charged Rs 120 instead of the earlier fare of Rs 100. This has led to frequent arguments between passengers and bus staff over the revised fare. Despite this, no increase has been implemented on routes connecting Jamshedpur to Dhanbad, Bokaro and Purulia, where passengers continue to pay the old fares.

Upendra Sharma, chief patron of the bus operators’ association, said the decision to increase fares was taken because of rising diesel prices and higher operational expenses. He added that a formal circular regarding the revised fare structure had already been issued to operators.

Sharma explained that the ongoing summer season and reduced passenger movement have made it difficult to strictly enforce the new rates at present. He indicated that the revised fares would likely be implemented fully once passenger traffic increases and the travel season resumes.

Passengers have meanwhile demanded clarity from operators regarding the fare structure to avoid confusion during travel.